Vinaigrette box
probably Thomas Shaw
Not on view
Similar maker’s marks were used in Birmingham by Thomas Smith and Thomas Simpson as well as Thomas Shaw between 1818 and 1839; vinaigrettes are known by all these makers. The ornate grill of this vinaigrette, pierced and chased with a basket of flowers amid foliage, strongly resembles that of 1983.575.35, made by John Shaw who made have been related to Thomas Shaw. The lid is pricked with a basketwork pattern.
A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grill kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.
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